Soft Active Materials: From Granular Rods to Flocks, Cells and Tissues

Latest Episodes:

Cell Dynamics and Active Gels May 20, 2009

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This presentation discusses cellular stability at the cortical layer. Internal cell elasticity and the effects of mechanical stress are also examined.

Assembling Contractile Actomyosin Bundles May 20, 2009

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Margaret Gardel explains the steps involved in building a contractile bundle for cell adhesion: actomyosin remodeling, F-actin network contraction and stress fiber formation.

Out-of-equilibrium in vitro Actin Networks May 20, 2009

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This talk examines the strength of actin networks as a function of physical properties, such as myosin concentration and rupture events.

The Transportation System Inside a Living Cell May 20, 2009

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An overview of the components involved in cellular transport systems. The mechanisms of active transport and filament switching are also discussed.

Theory of Filament Depolymerization by Motor Proteins May 20, 2009

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This presentation discusses the kinesins involved in microtubule depolymerization and the factors that determine the depolymerization rate.

Collective Motion and Decision Making in Animal Groups May 19, 2009

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An analysis of the movement of various animal groups and an explanation as to how one animal's motion may be altered by the movement of other animals nearby.

Collective Motion: Some Models and Experiments May 19, 2009

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A look into different examples of collective motion and an explanation of various models that reproduce this behavior.

Evolution of Collective Behavior in Animal Groups May 19, 2009

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This talk discusses the evolutionary reasons behind collective behavior. Different models for collective behavior are also presented.

Short Talks on Various Biological Networks May 19, 2009

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A series of short presentations covering the following areas: bioenergetic networks, actin networks, crystalline elastomers, "bleeding" plastic, ABC transporters, single molecule biophysics, asymmetric dimer colloids, leading edge structures, lipid membranes, jammed solids, structured vesicles and beating cilia.

Physics at Work in Cell Biology and Cancer May 19, 2009

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This talk discusses the underlying physical forces (such as cell stress and homeostatic pressure) involved in tissue formation and cell biology.